The 11 Best Beach Clubs in Malaga and Marbella
Malaga and Marbella are known for their golden sand beaches and tranquil blue waters. And while there are dozens of beaches on the coast to choose from, those seeking a more elevated experience can spend the day at a beach club instead. With on-site bars and restaurants, top-notch customer service, and fun live entertainment, a beach club is the perfect way to soak in the Costa del Sol lifestyle!
What are the Best Beach Clubs in Malaga and Marbella?
Along the Costa del Sol, you’ll find most of the top-rated beach clubs in Marbella, including Amare Beach Club, NOSSO Summer Club, and the exclusive La Cabane. But if you’re staying in Malaga, there are also some good beach clubs just outside the city, like Playa Miguel and 365 Beach Club Higuerón.
But that’s just a small sampling of what Malaga and Marbella have to offer. I’m here to share a couple of other beautiful beach clubs for vacation-goers, music lovers, and foodies!
My 5 Favorite Beach Clubs in Malaga
Generally speaking, there aren’t many beach clubs directly within walking distance from the city center of Marbella. While there are some good restaurants and bars on the main beach (Playa de la Malagueta), they’re not beach clubs in the classic sense. If you want a more traditional beach club experience, you’ll need to head further south to other districts in Malaga, like Torremolinos, Benalmádena, or Fuengirola.
1. Tropicana Beach Club
Located between Torremolinos and Benalmádena on Carihuela Beach, the Tropicana Beach Club is one of the best options in Malaga. As part of the Tropicana Hotel, it has pristine ocean views, excellent service, and delicious cocktails!
It can be a bit expensive, but the atmosphere here is really young and lively, especially at night when there is live music!
2. Playa Miguel Beach Club
While I generally prefer a more laid-back beach club, I still love Playa Miguel Beach Club for those times when I want to get dressed up! They have an exclusive VIP area that you can reserve with hammocks and Balinese beds. And if that’s not relaxing enough, you can even book a massage to help you unwind from the stressors of daily life.
They also have a huge calendar of events that start in the day and go late until the evening. From DJ sets and saxophonists to live acrobats and ballet, there’s always something interesting to see during your visit!
3. Gecko Beach Shack
Gecko Beach Shack isn’t technically a beach club, considering it’s located cliffside rather than on the sandy shores. But it still has fantastic views (especially during sunset) and relatively affordable drinks in Benalmádena.
The crowd is mixed, so it’s a good place if you aren’t a huge fan of young partygoers. However, things can get a little loud when they have live music or DJ nights. Either way, it’s a huge place to have such a large, grassy terrace where you can spread out and not rub shoulders with throngs of people.
4. El Horno
This is another lively and trendy beach club just south of downtown Torremolinos. Although it is primarily a seafood restaurant (and a delicious one at that, especially if you like grilled fish!), they do have an area with sunbeds and umbrellas.
I really like El Horno because they play great music, and it’s not overly loud, so you can still have a conversation with the person next to you. Overall, it’s a really fun atmosphere that ticks all the boxes: good food, good music, and good drinks!
5. 365 Beach Club Higuerón
If you’re in Malaga but craving Marbella vibes, then head to 365 Beach Club Higuerón between Benalmádena and Fuengirola. While there is an on-site restaurant and bar, I prefer to grab one of the Balinese beds or sunbeds (both of which can be reserved online) for the day.
However, the main reason to come here is for their crazy-themed beach parties (full moon parties, circus parties, Latin parties, etc.) Although the parties do attract a younger clientele, you can still come on non-party days for a relaxed cocktail or sunbathing session.
The 6 Trendiest Beach Clubs in Marbella
Marbella and trendy beach clubs go hand-in-hand. As one of the most desirable destinations along the Costa del Sol, it’s dotted with tons of glitzy hotspots where you can see and be seen. If you’re coming to Spain for the beach clubs, Marbella is the obvious choice over Malaga, as it boasts some of the best ones in the entire country.
1. Amare Beach Club
With a prime location just a few minutes walk from Marbella Old Town, Amare is a great option for delicious food and drinks. This beautiful Mediterranean-style venue has an open-air restaurant and beach seating. But if you’re here for the day, you can rent a sun lounger and order whatever you want from the “Push and Go” system they have installed.
They have a live DJ every afternoon to keep things pumping, although they sometimes bring in other acts for the evening.
2. NOSSO Summer Club
NOSSO Summer Club is a 15-minute drive east of Old Town, although its slightly off-the-beaten-path location makes it a good option for those wanting to be away from the bustle. This bohemian-style club is really beautiful, and you can tell that a lot of thought has been put into the design.
You can book online to reserve your sunbed, double bed, or VIP lounge area (which is a small terrace for up to nine people). Even if you aren’t planning to spend the day, it’s worth coming just to dine on the beachfront terrace, as the food and drink here is outstanding!
3. Nikki Beach
Looking for an adults-only beach club in Marbella? Open to beachgoers over 18, Nikki Beach has chill vibes, dramatic ocean views, and a super stylish ambiance that Marbella is known for.
You can book a table at their open-air restaurant or a beach bed or lounger on the sand or by the on-site pool. This is a popular spot for groups as there are quite a few beds, cabanas, and VIP areas that can accommodate 4 to 6 guests.
4. Ocean Club
As one of the largest beach clubs on the Costa del Sol, Ocean Club is the quintessential place for vacation-goers. It’s located in Puerto Banus (the main Marbella harbor known for its upscale shopping and mega yachts) and attracts a young, hip, and affluent crowd.
At the heart of the beach club is the massive saltwater pool, which is perfect for both relaxing and partying (more chill in the day and more lively in the evening). And when it comes to entertainment, they have DJ sets, dancers, live music, and themed parties.
5. Playa Padre
A short walk from Old Town will take you to Playa Padre, a Mexican-themed beach club right on the sandy shores of Playa del Cable. It has a thatched-roof restaurant, wooden Balinese beds, and palapa sun umbrellas, giving you that laid-back beachy bohemian vibe.
Prices are high-end, even for Marbella (e.g., single beds are 40€ per day and require a 40€ minimum food spend). But they do have great entertainment with a huge lineup of resident DJs and musicians.
6. La CabaneÂ
Dating back to 1965, La Cabane is a Marbella institution. Owned by the Dani GarcÃa Group (which manages three Michelin-star restaurants) and featuring designs and decor by Dolce & Gabanna, it underwent a massive restoration in 2023 and is now considered to be one of the most exclusive beach clubs in the world.
There are so many different places to hang out. Grab a designer sunbed by the pool, enjoy a gourmet meal on the outdoor terrace, or treat yourself to a sweet treat from the elaborate Dolci Room dessert shop. And considering the 5-star treatment, sunbeds are surprisingly affordable, so La Cabane definitely makes the top of my list when it comes to Marbella beach clubs!
Beach clubs aren’t for everyone, especially those wanting a quiet, tranquil experience away from crowds. And while some beach clubs in Malaga and Marbella are lively and over-the-top, it’s also possible to find more laid-back options where you can unwind with good food, drink, and music. There’s something for every type of traveler on the Costa del Sol, so look for a beach club that fits your style and enjoy your day in paradise!